Life in the German Suburb of Vauban, Car Optional

The NY Times points us to the German suburb of Vauban, a thoughtfully designed community where an astonishing 70% of its 5,500 residents live without owning cars. Completed in 2006, the one square mile neighborhood is comprised of multi-family row houses designed to be more energy-efficient with local businesses interspersed throughout in an attempt to seamlessly integrate the residential and commercial districts. Automobiles are allowed along the town’s main thoroughfare that connects to the train station as well as on certain secondary streets, but those that want to own vehicles are required to purchase garage spaces located at the edge of the development for the sum of $40,000.

As an alternative to completely living car-free, but with out the expense of sole ownership, many of the community’s families buy cars collectively or rent from Vauban’s car-sharing program, a shift in thinking that is catching on elsewhere thanks to the success and ease of online models like Zipcar. And while Vauban is currently more the exception than the rule, the fact that it exists points to the possibility of fundamentally changing how we live in simple, but lasting ways. 

NY Times: In German Suburb, Life Goes On Without Cars